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Senior Scientist, QC Microbiology

Employer
Pfizer
Location
Sanford, North Carolina, US
Salary
Competitive
Closing date
May 23, 2021

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Sector
Consultancy/Private Sector
Field
Conservation science
Discipline
Project Management, Biology
Salary Type
Salary
Employment Type
Full time
The position will support the Pfizer Sanford, NC Quality Operations department by performing Quality Control Microbiological activities associated with clinical and/or commercial product, raw materials, validation, stability. Key responsibilities in QC Microbiology are performing GMP tasks/activities associated with maintaining compliant QC Microbiology laboratories; testing, analyzing, interpreting, and trending results/data; creating, reviewing, executing, and approving documentation; participating in writing and/or leading/reviewing investigations of events/OOS results; acting as a change agent and driving continuous improvement/Operational Excellence/innovative implementations; represents QC Microbiology on cross functional teams; and leads projects and/or teams providing guidance/training/coaching to junior colleagues; troubleshooting; provides guidance/coaching; Specific responsibilities in the QC Microbiology laboratory involve bioburden, viable count method testing, sterility, microbial identification, culture purity, growth promotion, media management etc. This position could acquire direct reports with colleague development and performing one on ones as part of the responsibilities.

The individual should be considered able to demonstrate the following:
  • acting safely, knows and follows all EH&S safety requirements for site and QC laboratories; leads safety initiatives and encourages others to act safely
  • recognized as a "go-to" person or Subject Matter Expert for a specific subject area and are considered capable of supporting audits and investigations, reviewing/approving technical content to ensure scientific merit and compliance to regulations and Pfizer policy and standards
  • excellent effective written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills; established relationships within business lines
  • ability to identify issues, presents complex problems with possible solutions, and actively takes leadership role to resolve of issues
  • applies discipline's principles, appropriate procedures, and leadership skills to action plan and contribute to executing toward team/project goals
  • solving highly complex mathematical problems and situation dependent problems using convoluted information
  • method 1, yellow belt trained and can apply tools to solve issues (including technical issues)
  • ability to receive feedback from management and other colleagues, takes accountability for actions and personal development
  • consistent correctness and accuracy in tasks, activities, decisions, and documentation; detail oriented behavior
  • good judgment and correct decision making based on Pfizer procedures, policy and standards; quality systems knowledge; technical experience; and industry guidance / regulatory authority regulations; decision impact awareness on future quality and compliance as well as impact on own work group, department, and network
  • represents Quality Control on site and network teams/forums that support sustaining or improving site or network operations; influences and negotiates with business lines and shares information obtained with team; acts as change agent for improvements
  • proactively identifies, takes remedial action, and/or seeks advice when a personal, project, or team goal/deliverable is off schedule
  • delivery on high business impact projects/activities/changes
  • able to holistically review and authorize all laboratory data, and have an extensive overall knowledge of all laboratory operations
  • able to create, review, and approve compliant test method transfer and validation protocols and reports and equipment qualification/computer validation records; assist with protocol non-conformance evaluations
  • able to identify and seek out external resources (e.g. PDA, ISPE) to build or enhance understanding of scientific discipline; supports training of staff; mentoring and coaching junior colleagues
  • displays strong investigative or technological orientation with independence for design of projects/studies and able to make significant independent contributions to the development of methodology including new technologies and automation
  • expertise with investigations quality system and able to independently handle complex investigations and associated CAPA within own work area under limited guidance
  • capability of detailing requirements for LIMS builds and/or building and testing new LIMS builds and LIMS Master Data changes
  • Individual should have knowledge of US, EU, and ROW cGMP; pharmacopeias; ICH guidelines; analytical chemistry and/or Microbiology techniques and instrumentation; Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS); Global Quality Tracking System (TrackWiseTM application); Microsoft Office™ applications specifically Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; Lean Six Sigma concepts; Lean Labs; project management; formal Quality Change Control, Investigations, and Documentation systems, and Quality Risk Management including risk assessments.
  • Trains junior colleagues and may develop training plans and/or oversee training activities for groups.
  • Responsible for assessing existing situations and suggesting continuous improvements to increase compliance and innovation.
  • Provide guidance/coaching to colleagues. Capable of determining colleague training requirements for setting curricula and assisting with colleague development planning.
  • Spectrum of testing includes bioburden, viable count method (serial dilution), sterility testing, microbial identification, culture purity, etc.
  • Responsible for knowing, understanding and acting in accordance with Pfizer's values and our OWNIT culture
  • Support QC Systems team in writing investigations when needed
  • Qualifications
    Must-Have
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • 8-10 years of manufacturing, quality or engineering in the biotech or pharmaceutical industry with a BS/BA Degree in Science/related field
  • 5-7 years of manufacturing, quality or engineering experience in the biotech or pharmaceutical industry with a MS Degree in Science/related field
  • 2-4 years of manufacturing, quality or engineering experience in the biotech or pharmaceutical industry with a Ph.D in Science/related field
  • Demonstrated experience in Quality Control
  • Extensive knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices {also cGMP} compliance requirements for Quality Control Laboratories, application of compendial methods and experience with a wide range of analytical techniques
  • In-depth understanding of aseptic processing and monitoring procedures
  • Reasoning ability including strong analytical and problem solving abilities
  • Strong people management experience
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills

Nice-to-Have
  • Master's degree
  • Knowledge in the application of statistical tools, root cause analysis and/or six sigma methodologies.



PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to lift 30 lbs, stand for 2 to 3 hours at a time, sit for 2 to 3 hours at a time, walk long distances and bend to obtain items from lower shelving/cabinets

Intellectual capability to perform complex mathematical problems and perform complex data analysis.

NON-STANDARD WORK SCHEDULE, TRAVEL OR ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS

Work schedule may include weekdays and/or weekend days with first, second, and/or third shift hours as appropriate for assigned tasks/activities.

Limited travel for the position; no more than 10% traveling.
Relocation support available

Sunshine Act

Pfizer reports payments and other transfers of value to health care providers as required by federal and state transparency laws and implementing regulations. These laws and regulations require Pfizer to provide government agencies with information such as a health care provider's name, address and the type of payments or other value received, generally for public disclosure. Subject to further legal review and statutory or regulatory clarification, which Pfizer intends to pursue, reimbursement of recruiting expenses for licensed physicians may constitute a reportable transfer of value under the federal transparency law commonly known as the Sunshine Act. Therefore, if you are a licensed physician who incurs recruiting expenses as a result of interviewing with Pfizer that we pay or reimburse, your name, address and the amount of payments made currently will be reported to the government. If you have questions regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to contact your Talent Acquisition representative.

EEO & Employment Eligibility

Pfizer is committed to equal opportunity in the terms and conditions of employment for all employees and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, disability or veteran status. Pfizer also complies with all applicable national, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act and IRCA. Pfizer is an E-Verify employer.

Quality Assurance and Control

#LI-PFE

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